02/05/2026
Q: What is the best method for evaluating muscle injuries: MRI or ultrasound?
First: We need to agree that imaging is highly recommended because it helps identify the details of the injury accurately. Without it, return-to-sport decisions may rely only on symptom resolution, which can lead to an unsafe return and increase the risk of reinjury, especially in professional athletes.
Second: Both ultrasound and MRI are used for evaluation, and each has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Third: Ultrasound is often preferred as an assessment and diagnostic tool immediately after injury and throughout the treatment and rehabilitation period to monitor the progression of healing. However, it is highly operator-dependent, so choosing a skilled specialist is essential to obtain the most accurate results.